Happy 4th!

My cousin Ellen, and her fiance Matt, finally tied the knot last Friday. It was a very small private ceremony for the parents, siblings and grandparents only. However, they had a celebration party over drinks and hors d'oeuvres on Saturday, which we attended. We wish the new couple all the best!! :)

We had a great time seeing my mom's side of the family. My grandparents (Clock and Nana) are also out here visiting, to be a part of Ellen's wedding and to meet Callum, so Callum and I have made a couple trips over to my parent's house last week to spend time with them. And, because all my family was in town this weekend, we got together for a nice dinner at Buca di Beppo on Sunday night. It was great to spend time with the family, but I think the extra attention was wearing on Logan, as he couldn't sit still for very long. Thankfully, we had a room to ourselves, but it was clear as we were approaching his bedtime that he wouldn't have enough energy to go out and see fireworks (which I was REALLY wanting to do this year since I know he would have loved it). What a bummer. :(

So instead, we bid our farewells and headed home to watch fireworks on the TV for a bit before bedtime. It definitely isn't the same as sitting smack under the real thing, but he liked it alright. I think what he liked more was the fact that we let him stay up later than usual because of it. ;-)

Since yesterday was a holiday, we had an extra day to hang out and enjoy the beautiful weather. We connected with the Jodoins for lunch and then went back to their place to let the boys play all day long. They (and we) had a great time together, as always. Thanks guys!


(will post a collection of pics from my grandparent's visit later this week after they return home....)

Visiting the Cousins

This morning we went for a nice walk with Logan and the dogs. When we got home, Logan and I played a little basketball, but he quickly got distracted by seeing our bikes - and suddenly was pointing to my bike (which has his seat on the back) and saying "Bike!" and then trying to climb up on it. It was close to his naptime but I could tell I was going to have a tantrum on my hands if I didn't take him for a ride. So we got the bike and helmets out, set out for a ride, and within ten minutes TOPS, he was out like a light. I rode around for another 10 minutes or so and then had Jon help take him off the bike and put him to bed for his nap.


When he woke up, we headed for my Aunt and Uncle's house for a family get together. My cousin Ellen (their youngest) recently got engaged, so we were celebrating the news. Sophia (my cousin Tim's daughter) just turned 2 this past Monday and several others' birthdays were coming up. We also hadn't been together as a big family since last year (for Kai's graduation celebration dinner) so the visit was definitely overdue. And MY how both Logan and Sophia have grown since then!


Sophia is a beautiful dainty little girl - actually smaller than Logan even though he's 4 months younger - but so darling and cute I couldn't get enough of her! She and Logan got along great and played together all day long! The minute we arrived the two of them were playing with the living room toys making a ton of noise and generally having a ball. Jordan (Sophia's older brother) asked them several times to "Please don't make so much noise; I can't hear the movie" as he turned the TV up louder and louder. Yeah, good luck with that kid. I keep asking Logan the same thing. Jordan also really really REALLY wanted Logan to play with him, something "just for boys". But unfortunately Logan didn't quite get that concept and continued to splash and throw balls and generally act like a 20 mth old. Oh well - next time. :)


As always, Aunt Pammie hosts a wonderful party. There was a scrumptious spread to choose from for dinner and a decadent, rich chocolate cake for dessert. She also had a plethora of activities for the kids - which really kept Logan busy. From toys inside the house, to splashing in the kiddy pool, to croquet on the lawn, basketball, tricycles, play-doh and painting arts and crafts. Logan probably did more in the couple of hours we were there than he does all day at school! ;-)

Once it was nearing Logan's bedtime, we decided to head home. We were hoping he'd fall asleep on the ride home but no such luck. He wasn't unhappy though - just wide awake and watching the cars drive by. I'm sure he was still processing everything he had experienced at Aunt Pam's house. ;-) We got home and I worked on putting him to bed while Jon tidied up the house since we were expecting some of the guys to come over for poker night. I gabbed on the phone and did a few chores. Jon lost a couple bucks but nothing too bad. Overall a jam packed day as usual!

(Click on any of the pics above for more of the day!)